Volunteering

Volunteering is the heart of RYA and club activity

It provides new opportunities and supports people across the community to enjoy the benefits of being on the water. There are many ways you can volunteer and even a small amount of your time can make a big difference.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering benefits the volunteer as much as the person receiving the support. By volunteering you can boost your own wellbeing, whilst connecting with the community, and supporting people from all walks of life as they get afloat. Here are just a few benefits of volunteering:

  • Meeting new people and boosting your social skills.

  • Increasing your self-confidence and the confidence of others.

  • Boosting your mental and physical wellbeing.

  • Helping to create an inclusive and welcoming community.

 

 Volunteering in action

Find out more about how volunteers are making a difference at charities, clubs, on the race course and at the RYA.  

Claire

RYA Young Volunteer 2022

More info

Sian

RYA volunteer

More info

Zed

Race Official volunteer

More info

 

How to volunteer?

The beauty of volunteering with the RYA network is shown in its versatility. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or complete novice, you can contribute your time through a variety of volunteer roles. For example, fundraising, event organisation, training, boat maintenance and much more.

To become a volunteer or enquire about the ways you can volunteer, contact your local club, training centre or regional teams and committees.

Whether you’re looking to explore a new career, make new friends, or embrace a new sport, volunteering can help bring fulfilment to you and others.

Man fixing a boat

Volunteer at a club

Club volunteering is a fun and rewarding experience. Find out how to get involved.

Join in the fun

An instructor teaching children

Be a volunteer instructor

Share your passion for being on the water and train as an RYA instructor.

Find out more

Man coaching 4 sailing racers

Be a club race coach

Help develop club racing by training as an RYA Club Race Coach.

Be a race coach

race official sounding the horn

Be a race official volunteer

Become one of the team that runs club racing and events.

officiate a race

 

 

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How else could you help?
Sailability

Volunteer at your local Sailability site and see what a difference you can make...

 
RYA regional teams

Join our regional teams and contribute to the success of boating in your area.

 
Work with us

Support our programmes by joining the RYA team. Our latest staff vacancies can be found here

 

Every year, the RYA volunteers awards recognises the great work carried out by volunteers across the UK. 

The awards cover several categories, not only rewarding longstanding volunteers but also families, committed youngsters and those who have had positive impact on the community.